hole fleet, a sufficient number of boats to
transport above one third of the army at a time. But to land in
divisions would expose our forces to be attacked in detail, by
which means one party might be cut to pieces before the others
could arrive to its support. The undertaking was, therefore, on
the whole, extremely dangerous, and such as would have been
probably abandoned by more timid leaders. Ours, however, were
not so to be alarmed. They had entered upon a hazardous
business, in whatever way it should be prosecuted; and since they
could not work miracles, they resolved to lose no time in
bringing their army into the field in the best manner which
circumstances would permit.

THE LAKE.

With this view, the advance, consisting of 1600 men and two
pieces of cannon, was next morning embarked. I have already
stated that there is a small creek, called the Bayo de Catiline,
which runs up from Lake Pontchartrain through the middle of an
extensive morass, about ten miles below New Orleans. Towards
this creek were the boats directed, and here it was resolved to
effect a landing. When we set sail, the sky was dark and
lowering, and before long a heavy rain began to fall. Continuing
without intermission during the whole of the day, towards night,
it, as usual, ceased, and was succeeded by a sharp frost; which,
taking effect upon men thoroughly exposed, and already cramped by
remaining so long in one posture, rendered our limbs completely
powerless. Nor was there any means of dispelling the benumbing
sensation, or effectually resisting the cold. Fires of charcoal,
indeed, being lighted in the sterns of the boats, were permitted
to burn as long as daylight lasted; but as soon as it grew dark,
they were of necessity extinguished, lest the flame should be
seen by row-boats from the shore, and an alarm be thus
communicated. Our situation was, therefore, the reverse of
agreeable; since even sleep was denied us, from the apprehension
of fatal consequences.

THE LAKE--LANDING.

Having remained in this uncomfortable state till midnight, the
boats cast anchor and hoisted awnings. There was a small piquet
of the enemy stationed at the entrance of the creek by which it
was intended to effect our landing. This it was absolutely
necessary to surprise; and whilst the rest lay at anchor, two or
three fast-sailing barges were pushed on to execute the service.
Nor did they experience much difficulty in accomplishing their
o